Kia XCeed PHEV plug-in hybrid: prices, spec and release date

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Kia XCeed SUV is on sale now. The new car is available in 3 and First Edition trim levels, with the latter, higher-spec model priced at £34,695.

Called the XCeed Plug-In Hybrid, the car delivers 36 miles of electric running courtesy of an 8.9kWh battery and 60bhp electric motor. A 1.6-litre petrol engine takes over when the battery is depleted, or works in concert with the motor to improve efficiency.

The powertrain is a tweaked version of that already offered in the Kia Niro PHEV (where it gives an official electric range of 30 miles). It uses the same six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and has the same combined power output of 139bhp.

That gives the XCeed Plug-In Hybrid an 11-second 0-62mph time. CO2 emissions and fuel-economy figures sit at 32g/km and 167.6-201.8mpg.

The XCeed PHEV gets specific styling updates to differentiate it from the non-electrified diesel and petrol alternatives in the range, including a slightly different, closed ‘tiger nose’ front grille.

8

Inside, there’s Kia's latest 10.25-inch screen that was first seen in the Kia Soul EV, with navigation and charging-point search functions, along with Kia's 'UVO Connect' smartphone app for remote control of certain functions.

Another feature is a 'driver only' button for the ventilation system, which instantly de-activates airflow to all cabin vents except those nearest the driver. This enables battery energy to be preserved when driving alone.

The XCeed plug-in is offered in 3 and First Edition trim levels initially. As standard, the XCeed 3 has 16-inch alloy wheels, black cloth seat trim and powered lumbar support for the front seats. The starting price for the XCeed PHEV 3 is £30,695.

The XCeed First Edition increases alloy size to 18 inches and adds black leather upholstery, as well as parking assistance, heated outer rear seats and 12.3-inch 'Supervision' digital dials, along with a panoramic sunroof, aluminium pedals, a powered tailgate and wireless phone charging.

The XCeed has its charging point on the front passenger-side wing, while the fuel filler for the 37-litre tank is at the rear wing on the same side. A towing pack is an optional.

Some luggage space has been lost to fit the batteries, with only 291 litres remaining. There’s a dedicated cable-storage compartment, however. There’s 1,243 litres with the seats folded.